James Spader Says Goodbye To "The Office"

After joining the NBC series in 2011 actor James Spader has decided to leave "The Office".

The 52 year-old actor was originally brought on to the show to help transition after Steve Carell's departure.

A statement was released today (February 27) by executive producer Paul Lieberstein about the news, reading, "James came to ‘The Office’ to play a role that was two scenes long in the season 7 finale. He instantly brought so much life and intrigue to the part that those two scenes became a season. James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television.”

Before making his way to network comedy, Spader enjoyed stints on ABC's "The Practice" as well as the long-running dramedy "Boston Legal".